The poaching of Joseph Suaalii, and the ongoing code war between the NRL and Rugby Australia, reportedly played a role in the shock resignation of RA chief Andy Marinos this week.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that both were key factors in a strained relationship between Marinos and Rugby Australia chief Hamish McLennan.
Marinos tended his resignation on Monday, just four months out from the World Cup, to “pursue new opportunities”.
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Sources, who wished to remain anonymous, told the publication that Marinos and McLennan didn’t see eye-to-eye on a number of issues since last year.
Chief among those was March’s signing of star Sydney Roosters young gun Suaalii on a three-year deal starting at the end of 2024.
Code Sport understands that Suaalii’s deal is worth $5.35 million — the richest ever in Australian rugby.
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An investigation by the publication this week, however, revealed that rugby let the 19-year-old slip five years ago when he could’ve signed a multi-year deal for just $300,000.
The sources told SMH that Marinos did not agree with aggressively chasing Suaalii now and offering him such a large contract, which McLennan ultimately signed off on.
In general, Marinos was reportedly not sold on chasing rugby league players ahead of the 2027 World Cup, with the likes of Broncos gun prop Payne Haas also linked recently.
Also on a RA hit list, as revealed by The Australian last week, is Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary, Cameron Murray, Angus Crichton and Will Penisini
Sources familiar with the situation told SMH that McLennan was frustrated by Marinos’ more conservative mindset, while he also fell out of favour with the board.
Former Wallabies captain and RA director Phil Waugh is said to be the leading candidate to replace Marinos, although former NRL boss Todd Greenberg has also been linked.
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